Legacy of the Elephant Bird

Christie's scientific specialist James Hyslop poses for photographs Wednesday with a sub-fossilized pre-17th century Elephant Bird egg at the auction in London. The egg, which is estimated to fetch $30,000 to $45,000 in a sale April 24, measures more than 100 times the size of the average chicken egg. The extinct Elephant Bird was native to Madagascar and was among the heaviest known birds.Matt Dunham/AP Photo

Published March 28. 2013 12:01AM

Updated March 28. 2013 12:11AM

Christie's scientific specialist James Hyslop poses for photographs Wednesday with a sub-fossilized pre-17th century Elephant Bird egg at the auction in London.

The egg, which is estimated to fetch $30,000 to $45,000 in a sale April 24, measures more than 100 times the size of the average chicken egg.

The extinct Elephant Bird was native to Madagascar and was among the heaviest known birds.